THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
VOLUME 9, NUMBER 14 25c PER COPY THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1981
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Milton Hunt Named Pembroke
Democratic Precinct Chairman
PEMBROKE. N.C.-Interest ran high.
Milton Ray Hunt
according to observers, as a record crowd
of local Democrats poured into Pembroke
Junior High gym this past Thursday
night to elect precinct officials. An
estimated 225 people turned out to see
Pembroke Town Councilman and local
contractor Milton Ray Hunt elected
Chairman of the Pembroke Precinct, the
largest precinct in Robeson County.
Hunt handily defeated Jenell Oxendine
for the top post and immediately there
after took the mantel from outgoing
Chairman Lindberg Locklear.
Taking a brief pause to thank the group ,
for their support. Hunt pledged to
"demand the respect" Pembroke de
serves in the county political arena.
The large crowd in attendance at the
precinct meeting, as oqe observer put it.
seemed to be generally divided among
those for or against the recent water and
sewer bond referendum. The call for a
five minute recess for caucus purposes
by Hunt's opposition did in fact reveal
much about the make-up of those in
attendance and the candidates they
chose to support. West-end residents
William (Bill) Oxendine, and Henry
Smith called for the recess and moved to
the rear of the gym to caucus with a
group that appeared to be largely
composed of West-end residents, and
residents from outside the town limits.
After the caucus was over and nomi
nations for Chairman resumed. Oxen
dine placed Jenell Oxendine's name into
nomination.
The old adage that politics makes for
strange bed-fellows seemed to apply as it
was pointed out that Robert (Bob)
Brewington, a local Republican, and
former Town Councilman, w ho opposed
the water-sewer referendum, was seen
outside on the grounds of the meeting
place seemingly monitoring the meeting.
It was also observed that the majority of
the Hunt supporters seemed to come
v x V "W
1
I from within the town limits.
Pembroke carries a lot of clout as it
travels to the Robeson County Demo
cratic Convention with 31 delegates.
County Democrats will elect a new
( "airman and other County Democratic
(party officers at its April 25th con
vention. Election of delegates to the
State Democratic Convention will also
take place.
Other Officers elected at the Pembroke
Democratic Precinct meeting were:
VHe-Chairpersons. HaTrv Oxendine. El
?" vera Locklear. and Reggie Strickland.
Sandra Oxendine was elected as Sec
t Mary-Treasurer.
? nnmittce members named included
R ith McCormick. Arnold Locklear. An
me J. Hunt. Ann Brewer, and Fred
I ??wry.
i ?
A CLOSER LOOK AT
Curtis Pierce
by Connee Brayboy
The phone rings continuously. Someone
is always waiting to talk with Curtis K.
Pierce, vice president of the Lumbee
Bank. His work day is hectic. There is
always more paper work than time will
allow him to complete. And it seems
everyone wants to see him. Pierce takes
all the activity in stride and offers
everyone a ready smile or a hearty laugh.
The activitiy is all in a day's work and
after ten years. Pierce is accustomed to
the fast pace. He began with the bank at
its inception in 1971, as a cashier. As the
years passed, he acquired more and
more responsibility. His duties as vice
president include loan administration
and investments for the bank. He reports
to regulatory agencies for the bank and
maintains the bank records.
EDUCATION
Pierce is a 1964 graduate of Prospect
High School. He earned a B.S. Degree in
Business Administration with a concen
tration in accounting from Pembroke
State University in 1968. He has worked
toward a master's degree at Campbell
College. In addition, he has a Certificate
of Completion of the Mid-management
Course of the North Carolina School of
Banking and an Advanced Certificate
from the same school.
Pierce reflected on his earlier life. He
recalled the disadvantages of his child
hood of poverty. Said he. "Things were
really tough when I was growing up.
Many times it would have been easy to
have quit school. 1 remember Danford
Dial, then principal of Prospect School,
with pride and a great sense of
appreciation."
He paused thoughtfully and continued.
"Mr. Danford believed in me. He kept
saying 'you can' until I began to believe I
really could."
Having no available monies for further
education at home. Pierce remembered
Danford Dial going to the university with
him. There, too. Dial kept insisting and
Pierce received a scholarship and a work
study program. Pierce, said. "Mr.
Dantord just wouldn't take no for an
answer. He felt that I could do better. He
believed I could, and I did."
LIFE BEFORE THE BANK
Upon graduation from the University.
Pierce enlisted with the United States
Army. He served as a medic and
obtained the rank of Specialist Fifth
Class. Following his discharge from
military service, he worked with the
General Accounting Office in Washing
ton. D.C. He served as an investigator
and an auditor for that firm.
Prior to employment with Lumbee
Bank, Pierce worked briefly as a fiscal
officer for the Lumbee Regional Devel
opment Association.
He expressed a great love for working
with numbers and believes he is in a key
position to assist economic development
for Indians. Pierce stated that economics
is the key to progress. He said, " Whenm
people become economically indepen
dent. they also progress socially, educa
tionally and all other ways."
And in reference to the bank, the one
and only bank owned and operated by
Indians in the State of North Carolina, he
said. "The Lumbee Bank is a tremen
dous asstt to the community. The idea of
our own bank give all of us a more
positive outlook. It gives us uplifting
ideas and encourages us to grow in all
aspects of our lives- socially, educa
tionally, and in all other areas.
Economics is the key to progress."
He continued, "I am really humbled by
the opportunity to serve in this position
which has so many positive ramifica
tions."
Pierce is always smiling and more
aenaitive than Is apparent. Always
willing to go the eatra mile to help
customers, he is often distressed becau
se some times there is nothing he can do
to help.
"There are limes when I can do nothing
to help someone...no matter how much <
fy i nl Page |
Ca* t. Hum, ?(n pmliwl ti Mm
tawfcii iMh, la aJwwa In Ma MRaa.
(OaaBM Braytoy pfeMil
ijov. Hum appoints
Dr, James B. Chavis to Education Board
Dr. James B. Chavis
American Indian
Cultural Festival
Cumberland County Memorial Audi
torium. April 24th and 25th will be the
site of North Carolina's first Statewide
American Indian Cultural Festival.
Sponsored by the Cumberland County
Association of Indian People, this event
will be the first of its kind to bring
together, for sharing with the general
public, the cultural heritage and tradi
tional ceremonies of the Native Ameri
cans of North Carolina.
This is a special opportunity for you to
experience traditional Indian ceremonial
dances, view and purchase authentic
American Indian arts and crafts and
share with the Association of Indian
People one of the most exciting cultural
events of the year.
School students are encobraged to
attend to learn about the "real"
American Indian and not sterotypes from
t.v. and movies.
Famous Indian dancers from all over
the United States will perform and
compete for prize money in tribal
costumes. The best Indian Male War
Dancer will win SI.000 and the honor of
being selected from among his peers
Three thousand ($3,000) in other prizes
will be awarded.
Outstanding craftsmen will display and
sell beautiful handmade beadwork, silver
and turquoise jewelry, basketry, stone
carvings and pottery.
Planned to become an annual event
admission will be charged. Adult admis
slon will cust $2.50. children and senior
citizens will pay SI.00. Pre- schoolers
will be admitted free. Camping will br
available
You are invited to come and enjoy North
Carolina's Aral annuel American Indian
Cultural Festival. Per information eall
HHH 4A34W4J and auk for James Hardin
#
i UALElGH--Governor Jim Hunt an
*fcnunccd yesterday (April 1) that he'tnwc.
recommended the appointment of Dr.
James B. Chavis to the North Carolina
?State Board of Education. His recom
mendation has been submitted to the
N.C. General Assembly for fro forma
approval.
The appointment is for a full eight year
term, and is one of three at large scats on
the prestigious board.
The board is made up ol 14 members:'
eleven appointed by the governor and
three ex-officio members consisting of
the Lt. governor, the state treasurer and
the superintendent of public instruction.
The board elects its own chairman and
vice chairman; the superintendent of
public instruction serves as secretary to
the board.
Dr. Chavis. 45. is presently serving as
vice chancellor of. student affairs at
Pembroke State University. He has held
several administrative positions at the
university where he has been employed,
except for a stint as chief ombudsman for
the state, since l%4.
Mrike at
the Wind!"
Auditions
Scheduled
Auditions for the sixth season of "Strike
at the Wind!" are to be held on
Saturday, April f 1 at 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and
Sunday. April 12 at 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. at
the Lakeside Amphitheatre on the
grounds of the Riverside Country Club, 3
miles west of Pembroke.
Twenty-two major speaking roles and
many chorus members are needed to
present the two act and musical drama
about Henry Berry Lowrie and the
Lumbee Indians. Parts in the play call for
Indians, whites and Blacks of all sizes
and ages. >
Anyone with acting, singing or dancing
talent is invited to try out for a part.
Previous experience is not necessary.
Also needed will be numerous persons to
work with costuming, lighting and
sound. Persons interested in these jobs
should attend one of the tryouts and tell
of their desire to work with the
organization.
"Strike at the Wind!" is fine family
entertainment with plenty of laughter,
tears and adventure. It's a story and
song of inspiration and hope that can be
fell today. The cast will be made up of
many persons. Last year, there were
people from eight to eighty, from
students to preachers and from near and
far. Each person working with the drama
become* a part of the history of Robeson
County.
For further information contact "Strike
at the Windl!" P.O. Bos 1059. Pern
brake. NC 31372 or phone (919) &2I
3112.
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PEOPLE
AND PLACES
AND THINGS
Miss Lumbee to attend
the Azalea Festival
Brigitte Bravboy. Miss Lumber
Miss Lumbee, Brigitte Brayboy along
with her chaperone, Florence Ransom
have been invited to attend the 34th
Annual Azelea festival by the Azalea
president. Mr. Don Brittv
Miss Lumbee has been invited as a
pertorming queen wnicn anoras ner ana
her chape rone the honor of having all
expenses paid by the Azelea Festival
Committee. The festival will be held
April 8-11 in Wilmington, NC.
Attending the Azelea Festival is one of
the highlights of Miss Lumbee's reign.
There she will be meeting and
performing at several functions along
with many of the invited celebrities of the
entertainment world.
The -14th Annual Azelea Queen Mau
reen Teffy who has stared in the movies
Fame and the Scavenger Hunt. The
movie Fame will be playing in Wilming
gon during the week of the entertain
* of the Azelea Festival.
Other celebrities attending will be Bob
Hope. Glen Campbell, The Spinners,
Minnie Pearl. Road Runner and Earale
from Hardies. Bill and Susan Haves from
the afternoon series, "Days of Our
Lives." "Miss Black Ameriea, Miss
North Carolina-Janet Ward Black.
The last Miss Lumbce afforded the
honor of attending the Azelea Festival as
a performing queen was Brenda Hunt,
Miss Lumbee 1978.
Contributors to Bus
Drive at Pembroke Senior High:
The Fund Drive for a Pem
broke Senior High School
Activity Bus is slowly but
surely moving toward its goal,
according to Roy Maynor, Jr.,
Principal of Pembroke Senior
Hgh School. He reports that
many concerned parents and
friends have responded well
to a worthwhile cause.
The school and some parents
have sponsored three raffles
on hogs donated by Dial
Farms, Lyrcurous Lowry and
Less Chavis. These raffles
moved the drive forward
almost one-thousand dollars
($1,000).
Future plans include a fish
plate sale scheduled for April
11. 1981 on the campus
at Pembroke Senior High
School. All local citizens are
urged to help make the event
a success. Maynor emphasiz
es, "Remember, you are not
just buying a fish dinner, but
you are helping purchase a
badly needed source of trans
portation for the school. Also,
the next meeting relative to
the fund drive is scheduled for
April 6. 1981 at 7:30 p.m. in
the school cafeteria." All
interested citizens are urged
to attend.
Beginning today some nam
es and amounts contributed
will appear in the VOICE. We
plan to continue this public
listing until all contributors
have appeared in the newspa
per.
The school continues to need
the support at the community.
Said Maynor. "Together, we
can continue to help Pem
broke Senior High improve
the quality of education our
youth receive."
Maynor also announced that
the school is expecting the
University at North Carolina
Chapel Hill Baseball Players
to appear at the school on
A pril 20.7: JO p.m. The public
| b invited to atteod
rundraising activities inclu
dc?Two ballgames between
PSHS Seniors vs Faculty
$472.00
three PSHS Hog Raffles
$986.00
Anonymous contribution
$500.00
PARTIAL LIST*
OF CONTRIBUTORS
Reggie Strickland-$I00.00
Dr. M.L. Brooks-$ 100.00
PSHS Home Economics Dept.
$50.00
Vera Malcolm-$25.00
Charles Ralph Ward- $50.00
Glenna Hicks- $10.00
Annie P. Cummings-$5.00
Gregory (Roy) Maynor-$50.00
William D. Oxendine-$ 100.00
Noah Woods-S 100.00
Juanita Smith-$50.00
John H. Sampson. Sr.-$10.00
Sylvia W. Britt-$10.00
Kenneth R. Maynor-$ 100.00
Roy Maynor, Jr.-$200.00
Stacy Locklear-$ 100.00
Pembroke Middle School
$50.00
Laney Locklear-$20.00
Wade Hunt-$ 100.00
Neal Graham-SI 00.00
Jerry Lowry-$300.00
Ira Pate Lowry-S 100.00
Ocianus Lowry-$100.00
Rca.iie Elk-Si 25.00
ames Monroe Chavis-$ 15.00
John R. Jones-$IOO.OO
Roy Lacy CUmmings-SSO.OO
Wilson Chavis-$100.00
Clayton Mavnor-$l00.00
Nettie Lowery-$50.00
Dr. English Jones-$ 100.00
Clerance Locklear-S 100.00
Titus Locklear-$50.00
Eddie Mack Locklear-S 100.00
Donald Bullard 4100.00
James H. Locklear-150.00
Randall Jonet-SSO.OO
Hartman Brewington-S50.00
James F. BF.II-SIOO .00
Thomas E. Locklesr4100.00
Bundy Locklear-S 100.00
John G. Deese-SI00.00<
Paul Brooks-S 100.00
Danny Bullock-SSO.OO
ChJlas Graham-SSO.OO '
MM. Brewlngton-S 100.00
Haifry Lowry Jr S25.00
J anas H. Maynor4100.00
P*aM J Lockl?ar42SiX)
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